CPP/NDF-Negros Island: NDF Consultant Ericson Acosta murdered in joint operation of 94th and 47th IB

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 30, 2022): NDF Consultant Ericson Acosta murdered in joint operation of 94th and 47th IB

 

Bayani Obrero

Spokesperson

NDF-Negros Island

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

November 30, 2022

Twisting truths cannot cover the fact that butchers 94th Infantry Battalion and 47th Infantry Battalion captured NDF Consultant Ericson Acosta and his companion, a peasant organizer, alive around 2:00 this morning, November 30, at Sitio Makilo, Barangay Camansi, Kanbankalan City, Negros Occidental, and, few hours after, tagged them as casualties of a fake encounter.

Ka Ericson was here in Negros, particularly in Kabankalan City, to consult on the situation of farm workers in the southern part of Negros Occidental and share developments regarding the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER). He was one of the NDF consultants working on the CASER.

NDF Negros, in the strongest terms, condemns the 94th IB, 47th IB and top dogs of the 3rd ID for the summary execution of Ka Ericson and his companion. The two were victims of the AFP’s despicable policy of “taking no prisoners” in their counter-insurgency campaign.

The entire revolutionary forces and the broad masses in Negros offer the highest tribute to Ka Ericson Acosta. Likewise, NDF Negros extends sympathies to Ka Ericson’s family, especially his son, and all those he has inspired.

Today, the Filipino people has lost a revolutionary, propagandist, poet, song writer, journalist, and thespian. His bloody murder is added fuel to the already seething social volcano in Negros and will bring forth an outpour of new blood to the national democratic revolution.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/ndf-consultant-ericson-acosta-murdered-in-joint-operation-of-94th-and-47th-ib/

CPP/CIO: Condemn the AFP for the murder of Ericson Acosta, poet and modern-day Andres Bonifacio

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 30, 2022): Condemn the AFP for the murder of Ericson Acosta, poet and modern-day Andres Bonifacio

 

This article is available in Pilipino

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

November 30, 2022

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemns in the strongest terms the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the 94th IB and 47th IB, for the abduction and willful killing while in custody of renowned revolutionary poet Ericson Acosta, who also served as peace consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in Negros, and his companion early this morning.

The murder of Acosta and his companion is in grave violation of international humanitarian law and constitutes a war crime.

According to local reports, Acosta and his companion were accosted by armed soldiers while resting in a peasant home in Barangay Camansi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental at 2 a.m. They were subsequently summarily executed in cold-blood. Both were unarmed. There was no unit of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the area contrary to AFP’s claim of an armed encounter.

We have also received reports that soldiers took an entire family from the same community. Ronald Francisco was able to call his mother at around 2 a.m. today to report that soldiers strafed their house. When his mother could no longer contact him, she went to the police to report the incident. The Kabankalan police, however, refused to investigate the case, saying the family was taken by soldiers to a military camp. The whereabouts of Ronald, his wife Ronalyn, and their three children, are unknown.

Acosta and his yet unnamed companion are the latest victims of the AFP in its campaign of murder against revolutionaries in violation of international humanitarian law and the rules of war. According to a Special Report released by Ang Bayan, more than one hundred unarmed revolutionaries, hors de combat and civilians have been killed in the campaign of murder by state forces. The report covers the period 2017-2022. This list includes his wife Kerima Tariman, who was also killed by AFP soldiers under custody after being captured in Silay City, Negros Occidental on August 20, 2021.

The entire Party extends its sympathies to the Acosta family. The CPP joins the cultural community, progressive and democratic organizations, and the different sectors in their clamor for justice for Ericson. The truth about the death of Acosta and his companion must be vigorously exposed through independent fact-finding and forensics. Police investigation into the case will only serve to cover up the crimes of the AFP.

The CPP pays the highest tribute to Acosta and declares him a hero of the Filipino people for having dedicated his life and art for the cause of national and social liberation. The aspirations of the downtrodden and oppressed masses resonated in his poems, plays and songs. Like Kerima, Ericson found his muse among the workers and peasants to whom he dedicated his life and selflessly served.

Without a doubt, Ericson Acosta is an Andres Bonifacio of our times. His life of sacrifice and service inspired many artists and ordinary people to take up the cause of national democracy. The manner of his death incites greater hatred for the fascist military and its campaign of terror. Ericson’s martyrdom will surely serve to strengthen the resolve of more and more people to take the path of revolutionary resistance.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/condemn-the-afp-for-the-murder-of-ericson-acosta-modern-day-andres-bonifacio/

CP/NDF-Negros Island: Negrosanons will collectively resist the AFP’s campaign of suppression

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 30, 2022): Negrosanons will collectively resist the AFP’s campaign of suppression

 

Bayani Obrero

Spokesperson

NDF-Negros Island

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

November 30, 2022

Not only did the joint operation of the 94th and 47th Infantry Battalion ruthlessly kill NDF consultant Ericson Acosta and peasant organizer Joseph Jimenez, these fascist soldiers first strafed the house of the Francisco family where Acosta and Jimenez were resting before they were taken forcefully and then “salvaged” early today, November 30, at Sitio Makilo, Barangay Camansi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

The mother and sibling of Ronald Francisco, 41 years old, has raised the alarm because he, his wife Ronalyn, and their three children were also taken to the headquarters of the 47th IB this morning, and, up to this time, cannot be contacted. Ronald’s mother tried to report the incident to the Kabankalan police station but the police officer (with tagname “EMAR”) dismissed her and refused to file a blotter report.

The fake encounter script of truth spinners in the 3rd Infantry Division led by MGen. Benedict Arevalo is now fully exposed as a scheme to whitewash their war crimes. According to Jimenez’ family, the bodies of Ka Ericson and Jimenez have indications that they were stabbed and hacked.

This incident raises the number of fake encounters in Negros under the Marcos Jr regime to 14. Meanwhile, Jimenez is the 7th farmer killed in the island by state forces since July 2022. All peasant killings were notably declared by state forces as “encounters”.

NDF-Negros demands that MGen. Arevalo and the entire 3rd Infantry Division be made accountable for the murder of Acosta and Jimenez, and all the crimes they have perpetrated during their focused military operations. Furthermore, the 47th IB must surface the Francisco family whole and unharmed from their headquarters.

NDF-Negros calls on human rights groups and advocates to conduct an independent fact-finding and forensic investigation to further expose the truth behind these atrocities.

Finally, the NDF-Negros urges the Negrosanons, especially the peasants and workers, to continue fighting for their democratic and economic rights while collectively resisting the AFP’s campaign of suppression. ###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/negrosanons-will-collectively-resist-the-afps-campaign-of-suppression/

CPP/NDF-KM-DATAKO: Pahayag ng Kabataang Makabayan — DATAKO para sa ika-58 na anibersaryo ng KM

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 30, 2022): Pahayag ng Kabataang Makabayan — DATAKO para sa ika-58 na anibersaryo ng KM- Naturturred, Nasirsirib, #TayoAngKMD (Statement of the Patriotic Youth — DATAKO for the 58th anniversary of KM-Persisting, Establishing-We are KMD)

 

Kabataang Makabayan – Demokratiko a Tignayan kadagiti Agtutubo iti Kordilyera (KM-DATAKO)

Cordillera People's Democratic Front

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

November 30, 2022

Nagkakamali ang estado sa pagsasabi nitong magagapi nito ang rebolusyunaryong kilusan.

Nagkamali na ang rehimeng US-Duterte sa ambisyon nitong wakasan ang digma sa bansa noong 2017…2018…2019…Hangal at ampaw ang deklasyong wawasakin ng NTF-ELCAC ang CPP-NPA-NDF sa pagtatapos ng 2022.

Higit na walang kapararakan ang pagbula ng bibig ng mga pasista’t berdugo sa pagsasabing “nililinlang”, “brainwashed”, “nagkakamali” ang mga kabataan sa pagtahak sa landas ng rebolusyon. Mulat at buong pusong niyayakap ng mga kabataan ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan sa pakikibagkapit-bisig sa saligang alyansa ng mga manggagawa’t magsasaka kasama ng iba’t iba pang mga aping sektor. Ang kainutilan at kapabayaan ng estado ang mismong naghahawan sa malawak na kaparangan upang bagtasin ng mga kabataan ang armadong paglaban.

Taglay namin ang maningning na kasaysayan ng pakikibaka ng mga kabataan mula pa Batas Militar. Nananalaytay sa amin ang dugo palaban ng lahing mandirigmang Kaigorotan. Kami ang mga nagyayabong na kagubatang naipunla nina Macliing Dulag, Chadli Molintas, Jennifer Carino at iba pang martir at bayani. Kami ang bagong salinlahi ng mga rebolusyunaryong naaarmasan ng mga dakilang aral ng mayamang kasaysayan ng paglaban ng mamamayan.

Nagkakamali ang mga berdugo sa pag-aakalang ito’y aming talilikdan. Buong pagmamalaki naming itatanghal: Kami ang Kabataang Makabatan-DATAKO. Tayo ang Kabataang Makabayan-DATAKO. Nananatili, tumatatag.

Sa nagdaang taon, humarap tayo sa malaking hamon. Mula sa malubhang krisis dulot ng pandemya na sinamantala pa ng estado upang ginipit ang pagkilos ng mamamayan. Pisikal tayong pinaghiwalay ng mga rekstriksyon at ng obhetibong kalagayan.

Gayunpaman, hindi tayo nagpalimita. Sama-sama nating mapanlikhang tinuklas ang mga bagong arena ng mga laban, mga porma ng pagkilos at pag-oorganisa, maniobra at recovery, expansyon at konsolidasyon — mula kanayunan hanggang mga lungsod. Habang nagkukumahog ang estado sa pagsupil sa mamamayan, nagpupursigi ang mga kabataan sa paghahatid ng tulong sa mga komunidad na lubhang apektado ng sosyo-ekonomikong krisis at mga sakuna, nagtatambol at kumakamit ng mga signipikanteng tagumpay sa kampanyang masa, nagpapalawak at nagrerekluta sa mga rebolusyunaryong organisasyong masa at tuloy na nagpapaabot ng suportang materyal sa BHB at aktibong naglulunsad ng kampanyang pagpapasama. Sa nagdaang 2 taon, matagumpay na nakapagpalawak at nakapatayo ng mga bagong balangay at grupong pang-organisa ang KM-DATAKO sa buong Metro Baguio, nakapagpasampa sa BHB at patuloy na nakapaglulunsad ng mga pag-aaral hinggil sa rebolusyong Pilipino, pagsusuri sa mga maiinit na isyung kinahaharap ng mamamayan at mga saligang aralin hinggil sa Marxismo, Leninismo at Maoismo.

Namalas ng bansa ang di matatawarang katatagan at sigasig ng mga kabataan, sampu ng buong hanay ng mamamayang lumalaban, sa harap ng matinding pandarahas ng demonyong NTF-ELCAC.

Sa pagbabalik ng mga Marcos sa Malacanang, walang ibang inaasahan ang mamamayang Pilipino kundi ang pagpapalala sa kalagayang pagpapakutata ng bansa sa imperyalista mga dikta, pambabalaho sa pambansang pag-unlad at malawakang korupsyon at pagnanakaw. Ang pinakamasahol at sagad-saring tambalang Marcos-Duterte ang mukha ng mga halimaw at mabangis na uring naghahari’t tunay na kaaway ng sambayanang Pilipino. Gayunpaman, di rin mapigilan ang pagindhi ng tunggalian sa hanay ng mga naghahari; papalalang bitak sa pagitan mismo ng pangkating Marcos at Duterte. At habang nagkakagulo at nagtatalo-talo ang tumitinding paksyon sa pagitan mismo ng mga kaaway — nina Badoy, Quiboloy at Carlos, Salamat sa pagkabalaho ng reorganisasyon ng NTF-ELCAC, wala namang panahong dapat sayangin ang hanay ng mga rebolusyunaryo. Ito’y mapagpasyang panahon upang samantalahin ang di mapigil na pagkakabitak-bitak ng mga naghahari.

Hamon lalo sa ating mga kabataang ang lalo pangh magpakatatag. Abutin ang pinakamalwak na hanay ng mga kabataan sa mga paaralan, pagawaan at mga komunidad. Ikasa ang walang humpay na kilusang propaganda at gawaing pangkultura. Buong-panahong ialay ang lakas, talino at talento para sa rebolusyon at buong-pusong yakapin ang armadong paglaban at sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan.

Totoo’t natitiyak nating magwawakas ang digma; ngunit ito’y hindi dahil sa NTF-ELCAC o kay Marcos. Magtatapos ang digma dahil ito’y ipagwawagi ng mamamayang Pilipino.

Mabuhay ang militanteng tradisyon ng paglaban ng mga kabataan!
Mabuhay ang Kabataang Makabayan-DATAKO!
Mabuhay ang rebolusyong Pilipino!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/naturturred-nasirsirib-tayoangkmd/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Peace consultant at makatang si Ericson Acosta, pinaslang ng militar

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 30, 2022): Peace consultant at makatang si Ericson Acosta, pinaslang ng militar (Peace consultant and poet Ericson Acosta, murdered by the military)

 

November 30, 2022

Walang kalaban-labang pinaslang ng pinagsanib na pwersa ng 94th IB at 47th IB ang konsultant ng National Democratic Front (NDF) sa usapang pangkapayapaan at makata na si Ericson Acosta, at ang kasama niyang magsasaka kaninang madaling araw sa Sityo Makilo, Barangay Camansi, Kanbankalan City, Negros Occidental. Dinakip sila ng mga sundalo bandang alas-dos ng umaga, pero pinalabas na napaslang sa isang engkwentro.

Ayon sa ulat ng NDF-Negros, nasa Kabankalan City si Acosta para magkonsulta kaugnay sa sitwasyon ng mga magsasaka at manggagawang bukid sa lugar, at magbahagi ng impormasyon kaugnay ng Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER). Si Acosta ay isa sa mga konsultant ng NDF na nagtatrabaho kaugnay ng CASER.

Sa kasalukuyan ay hindi pa napapangalanan ang kanyang kasama.

Kinundena ng NDF-Negros ang “summary execution” ng militar sa dalawa. “Ang dalawa ay biktima ng walang katuturang patakaran ng AFP na “take no prisoners” sa kanilang kampanyang kontra-insurhensya,” pagdidiin ni Ka Bayani Obrero, tagapagsalita ng NDF-Negros.

“Iniaalay ng buong rebolusyonaryong pwersa at masa ng Negros ang pinakamataas na pagkilala kay Ka Ericson Acosta,” ayon kay Ka Bayani. Nagpaabot rin siya ng pakikidalamhati sa naulilang pamilya ni Ka Ericson higit lalo sa kanilang anak. Si Acosta ay asawa ni Kerima Tariman, isang Pulang mandirigma na nadakip at pinaslang ng mga tauhang ng 79th IB noong Agosto 20, 2021 sa Silay City.

Ayon sa NDF-Negros, “nawalan ngayong araw ang mamamayang Pilipino ng isang rebolusyonaryo, propagandista, makata, kompositor, mamamahayag, at isang mandudula.”

Dagdag sina Ka Ericson at kanyang kasama sa mahigit isandaang rebolusyonaryo at kanilang kasamang sibilyan na pinaslang ng armadong pwersa ng estado na labag sa internasyunal na makataong batas.

Pagtatapos ng NDF-Negros sa kanilang pahayag, “ang madugong pagpaslang sa kanya ay dagdag na ningas sa dati nang nagngangalit na panlipunang bulkan sa Negros at maghahatid ng daluyong ng bagong dugo sa pambansa demokratikong rebolusyon.”

Bumuhos na sa social media ang panawagan ng mga kaibigan ni Ka Ericson, kanyang mga kakilala at mga nabigyang inspirasyon, para sa hustisya para sa kanya at kanyang kasama, gayundin ang pagkilala sa kanila bilang martir at bayani ng sambayanan.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/peace-consultant-at-makatang-si-ericson-acosta-pinaslang-ng-militar/

Kalinaw News: 2 NPA operating in Quezon province surrendered to Army’s 91st IB in Aurora

From Kalinaw News (Nov 30, 2022): 2 NPA operating in Quezon province surrendered to Army’s 91st IB in Aurora

Baler, Aurora – Two fighters from the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Quezon province have surrendered to the Alpha Company of the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Philippine Army.

The two former NPA chosen the battalion as they believe that the said unit was the best for them to give themselves based on their monitoring and assessment.

Ka Yoga and Ka Lando (both native of Dingalan) who requested their anonymity also revealed one M16 rifle that they hide in Sitio Uyungan, Barangay Umiray, General Nakar, Quezon.

“We asked our relatives to have a dialogue with the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Philippine Army to help us to live a new, for peace and to be with our love ones since Christmas is fast approaching. We wanted to be happy this Christmas. We do not want to waste our lives in the hands of the terrorist,” they said.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., commander of 91st IB said in an interview on Tuesday that Ka Yoga and Ka Lando surrendered to 1st lieutenant Jevie J. Sagragao, Alpha company commander based in Gabaldon town.

Recto also said that the Alpha Company Sinagtala troopers reached the hiding place and the M16 rifle was retrieved in coordination to 1st Infantry Battalion (1IB) under 2nd Infantry Division after a joint operation was conducted since the hiding place was not under the area of operations (AO) of 91st IB.

“It always brings joy to our hearts to welcome these former NPA rebels who go back to the folds of our laws. They were both tribes and victims of the lies, propaganda and deception of the terrorist organization. We assured that they will be happy together with their families this Christmas,” Recto said.

He urged the remaining terrorist members of the dismantled Komiteng Laragang Guerilla of the NPA to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law, and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government.

“Let us embrace peace and celebrate Christmas with your family. Our government is here to assist you in your reintegration into the mainstream society. We will help you,” Recto said.

Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/2-npa-operating-in-quezon-province-surrendered-to-armys-91st-ib-in-aurora/

Kalinaw News: NPA Terrorist suffers successive debaccles in Negros, another 2 members killed in clash

From Kalinaw News (Nov 30, 2022): NPA Terrorist suffers successive debaccles in Negros, another 2 members killed in clash

Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz— The CPP-NPA terrorists in Negros suffered successive setbacks following the deaths of its two members in an encounter with the joint elements of the 94th and 47th Infantry Battalions in Sitio Makilo, Barangay Camansi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, on November 30, 2022.

The first encounter occurred around 2:10 in the morning while the troops of two battalions were conducting a joint combat operation in the area after residents reported the presence and location of the NPA terrorists.

After a five-minute firefight, the NPAs withdrew southward. The troops immediately conducted pursuit operations, resulting in another encounter at around 02:15 A.M., one hundred meters from the first encounter site.

The ten-minute exchange of fire yielded two unidentified dead NPAs.

Seized from the possession of the killed NPAs were one (1) KG9 with magazine and ammunition, two (2) Cal.45 Pistol with magazines and ammunition, two (2) hand grenades, one (1) Bagong Hukbong Bayan Flag, one (1) CPP Flag, two (2) Mao caps, and subversive documents and lecture materials.
On November 28, 2022, two NPA terrorists were also killed in an encounter with the troops of the 62nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla.

Army in Negros said that the successful anti-insurgency operation is a result of the locals’ tip-off to soldiers, indicating that they are now fed-up with the daily extortion and other terroristic activities of the NPA terrorists.

3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division Commander Major General Benedict Arevalo commended the collaborative effort of the 94IB, 47IB, and the local populace that resulted in the demise of two NPAs.

“The successive debacle of the NPA Terrorist in Negros is a clear manifestation that they are losing grip and influence over their claimed mass base. They are now on the run, and their movement is now limited, for Negrenses are very vigilant in reporting their presence and activities,” said MGen Arevalo.

MGen Arevalo also re-echoed his persistent reminder to remaining NPAs to give up a bloody armed struggle while they still have time.

“If you refuse to surrender, you still can’t escape from the long arm of the law – you will be caught or killed,” the 3ID Commander stressed.

Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/%f0%9d%97%a1%f0%9d%97%a3%f0%9d%97%94-%f0%9d%97%a7%f0%9d%97%b2%f0%9d%97%bf%f0%9d%97%bf%f0%9d%97%bc%f0%9d%97%bf%f0%9d%97%b6%f0%9d%98%80%f0%9d%98%81-%f0%9d%98%80%f0%9d%98%82%f0%9d%97%b3%f0%9d%97%b3/

Kalinaw News: 28 FRs receive psychosocial support, food packs in Ilocos Sur

From Kalinaw News (Nov 30, 2022): 28 FRs receive psychosocial support, food packs in Ilocos Sur

Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija November 21, 2022: Twenty-eight former rebels (FRs) in the province of Ilocos Sur benefitted from counseling and food assistance provided by the Provincial Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) last Monday.

The activity dubbed “Kamustahan with EO 70 Clients” provided psychosocial support through a one-on-one interview with the former rebels held at the Halfway House, Barangay Taleb, Bantay, Ilocos Sur.

It was led by representatives from DSWD headed by Ms. Fe Sarmiento, SWO IV/Head, Community-Based Services, DSWD-R1 and the Provincial Social Welfare Office of Ilocos Sur headed by Ms. Irene Tabarangao, SWO II.

Said activity was made possible through the collaboration of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur, 71st Infantry Battalion (71IB), and 69th Infantry Battalion (69IB) of 7th Infantry Division (7ID), Philippine Army.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Michael Bautista, 71IB Commanding Officer, expressed his gratitude to DSWD Field Office 1 for its continuous support to the Former Rebels and former conflict-affected communities in Ilocos Sur.

Previously, DSWD FO-1 handed over livelihood assistance amounting to Php 3 million to 10 associations in former Communist Terrorist Group-affected barangays in Ilocos Sur as starting capital for their chosen community livelihood project. Some of their livelihood include swine fattening, rice retailing and general merchandise among others.

Apart from that, the said agency also distributed a total of Php 140,000 to the returnees to help augment the everyday needs of their family.
Moreover, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur distributed food packs for each returnee.

Maj. Gen. Andrew Costelo, Commander, 7ID, emphasized the importance of psychosocial support for the FRs as it doesn’t only provide an important coping mechanism during their difficult times but also helps maintain their physical and mental health.

Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/28-frs-receive-psychosocial-support-food-packs-in-ilocos-sur/

CPP claims NDF consultant killed not in firefight

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 1, 2022): CPP claims NDF consultant killed not in firefight (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Recovered war materials from an encounter in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.*PA photo

Two more combatants of the New People’s Army were reported yesterday by the Philippine Army to have died in another encounter with Army soldiers in Sitio Makilo, Brgy. Camansi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

The Communist Party of the Philippines immediately issued a statement that Ericson Acosta, a consultant of the National Democratic Front, was captured and killed in Kabankalan City, but not in encounter, as claimed by the Philippine Army.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, however, disclosed that they are still in the process of identifying the two slain rebels, despite the identification of Acosta as one of the casualties.

Based on information they got, Pasaporte said Acosta was the husband of Kerima Lorema Tariman, secretary of the dismantled Northern Negros Front, who was also killed in an encounter with the 79th Infantry Battalion in August last year in Silay City.

He, however, did not confirm that Acosta was among the two rebel fatalities in Kabankalan encounter.

Pasaporte said that husband and wife tandem, Acosta and Tariman, were dispatched by the CPP central committee in Negros Island to help recover territories lost by the communist terrorist organization and consolidate remaining forces.

In a statement issued by the 303rd Infantry Brigade, it said that a joint combat operation of the 94th and 47th Infantry Battalion led to two encounters which started at about 2:10 a.m. yesterday, as government troopers responded to reports of the presence of armed rebels in the area.

The first encounter lasted about five minutes, and the rebels scampered in various directions.

Pursuit operations led to another encounter about 100 meters away from the initial encounter site, resulting in the killing of two suspected NPA rebels, Pasaporte said.

Aside from the cadavers of two slain rebels that were left behind by their fleeing comrades, Army soldiers also recovered a KG-9 automatic pistol with a magazine containing ammunition, two caliber .45 pistols, two fragmentation grenades, a CPP NPA flag and subversive documents.

Two days earlier, two NPA rebels also died in an encounter with 62nd Infantry Battalion troopers in Brgy. Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.

In a statement issued by the CPP, it said that Ka Ericson was here in Negros, particularly in Kabankalan City, to consult on the situation of farm workers in southern Negros and share developments regarding the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reform.

It added that Ka Erickson was among the NDF consultants working on CASER.

https://visayandailystar.com/cpp-claims-ndf-consultant-killed-not-in-firefight/

883 Army officers benefit from combat leadership program

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 30, 2022): 883 Army officers benefit from combat leadership program (By Priam Nepomuceno)

LEADERSHIP ENHANCEMENT. Philippine Army (PA) company commanders join the Company Commanders Symposium, as part of the service's Combat Leadership Enhancement Program (CLEP) in this undated photo. The Philippine Army on Tuesday (Nov. 29, 2022) said the CLEP was conducted at the headquarters of various Army divisions from August 23 to November 25. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) announced that 883 company commanders and platoon leaders have completed its four-month-long "combat leadership enhancement program" (CLEP), which seeks to enhance their command potential.

In a statement Tuesday night, PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the CLEP was conducted in a hybrid manner, via in-person training and video conferencing, at the headquarters of Army divisions from August 23 to November 25.

It was conducted by the PA assistant chief of staff for education and training, G-8, and the Army Leadership Development Center of the Training and Doctrine Command.

"With the CLEP’s theme, 'Enhancing Army Leadership Acumen to Achieve Victory Against Threat to National Security', the program includes the Company Commanders Symposium and Platoon Leaders Combat Proficiency Symposium, which enhance the tactical competence and combat effectiveness of the soldiers through sharing of best practices around a multifaceted operational environment in their respective area of operations," Trinidad said.

He said the CLEP develops and strengthens the troops' command and leadership potential to empower them on becoming responsive and effective leaders of the organization’s desired administration and operational results amid a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous operational environment.

PH Army Armor Division gets new acting commander

Meanwhile, Trinidad said Brig. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV has been appointed as the acting commander of the Capas, Tarlac-based Armor Division of the PA.

The assumption of command took place at Camp O'Donnell, Sta. Lucia, Capas, Tarlac and was presided by PA commander, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.

Palafox replaced Maj. Gen. Efren Baluyot, who was promoted to head the Southern Luzon Command.

Before his appointment, Palafox served as the assistant division commander of the unit.

He also led various units, such as the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, and the Office of the Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations.

Palafox is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1990 and graduated from the Development Academy of the Philippines with a master’s degree in public management, major in development and security.

Meanwhile, Baluyot is a member of PMA Class of 1989. Under his leadership, the Armor Division contributed to the defeat of New People's Army insurgents and other local terrorist groups in the country.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189767

PH, US armies start planning for larger 2023 'Salaknib' drills

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 30, 2022): PH, US armies start planning for larger 2023 'Salaknib' drills (By Priam Nepomuceno)

'SALAKNIB' 2023 PLANNING. Philippine Army and US Army Pacific planners participate in the week-long final planning conference for next year’s "Salaknib" exercises, at the Hotel Conrad, Pasay City on Nov. 28, 2022. "Salaknib", which means shield in Ilocano, is an annual combined exercise geared at strengthening the interoperability of Filipino and American armies in a spectrum of military operations. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

MANILA – Philippine Army (PA) and US Army Pacific (USARPAC) planners have begun their week-long planning session for larger "Salaknib" military exercises in 2023.

In a statement Tuesday night, Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the planning conference, held at the Hotel Conrad in Pasay City, began on November 28.

"PA and USARPAC Salaknib planners are finalizing plans for the combined exercise that will include around 3,000 troops from the USARPAC's 25th Infantry Division and various PA major units," he added.

"Salaknib", which means shield in Ilocano, is an annual combined exercise geared at strengthening the interoperability of Filipino and American armies in a spectrum of military operations.

About 2,200 Filipino and US Army troops participated in this year's edition of "Salaknib", which took place in March.

These troops focused on the capability development of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, the PA's primary combined arms, and rapid deployment unit.

“When you plan, you plan to succeed. And so, as we all work towards yet another successful execution of Exercise 'Salaknib' next year. May every planner from both sides be all the more committed and dedicated as we finalize the concept of operations, settle the schedule of events and activities, confirm force commitments and asset requirements, and complete all essential requirements for the execution proper,” PA deputy assistant chief of staff for education and training, Col. Emmanuel L. Cabasan, said during the opening of the conference.

PA commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. earlier said the annual combined exercise is a testament to the “long-standing bilateral relations” between the Philippines and the US that would contribute to the pursuit of a common goal of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Reservist caravan in Congress

Meanwhile, Trinidad said the PA held a reservist caravan and information drive aimed at encouraging lawmakers and their legislative staff to join the Army’s reserve force at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Tuesday.

PA vice commander Maj. Gen. Adonis Bajao and key officers from the PA headquarters graced the reservist caravan that featured orientations on how to join the Army’s reserve component.

The caravan featured celebrity reservist 1st Lt. Ronnie Liang who discussed the PA’s reserve force development thrust to the House’s legislative staff.

PH Army top brass visits solons

Also on Tuesday, the PA Legislative Advisory Board (PALAB) led by Bajao paid a courtesy call on House Deputy Speaker and Army reserve Col. Isidro T. Ungab at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

Bajao and key officers from the Army made a courtesy call to Ungab who represents Davao City's third legislative district and Davao del Sur Rep. John Tracy F. Cagas as part of the PA’s legislative stakeholders engagement thrust.

"The discussion between the PA delegation and lawmakers centered on the proposed revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program at the college level and the Army’s reserve force development thrust," Trinidad said.

They also tackled the revitalization of the Self-Reliant Defense Program and other pressing issues in the defense sector.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189768

House bicam panel to push for NTF-ELCAC 2023 budget restoration

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 30, 2022): House bicam panel to push for NTF-ELCAC 2023 budget restoration

House appropriations committee chair Elizaldy Co (Photo courtesy of House Press and Public Affairs Bureau)

MANILA – House appropriations committee chair and Ako Party-list Representative Zaldy Co on Wednesday committed to help restore the 2023 budget of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) which was earlier slashed by the Senate and House of Representatives.

In a statement, Co assured that the House bicameral panel would work objectively with its Senate counterpart to restore the agency’s reduced budget as instructed by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Deputy Senior Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos.

“Congress recognizes the important role the NTF-ELCAC plays to help end the country’s decades-long insurgency. Thus, we will convince our Senate counterparts in the bicameral conference committee to restore the agency’s proposed budget. After all, this is one of the key priorities of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. which was clearly outlined in the National Expenditure Program the administration sent to Congress,” he said.

As this developed, Co urged the NTF-ELCAC leadership to hasten implementation of its projects and to explore the possibility of collaborating with agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways which are better equipped to handle project procurement and implementation.

The lawmaker expressed concern that for 2021, the NTF-ELCAC has only completed less than half or 48 percent of its projects under its Support for Barangay Development Program (SBDP), the other half is still ongoing while the remaining 2 percent is still in the procurement stage.

“The situation is even worse in 2022. Based on reports received by my office, only 2 percent of NTF-ELCAC’s 2022 projects have been completed or ongoing. A whopping 98 percent of the projects are still under the pre-procurement or procurement stage, and it’s already December,” he said.

Co said the NTF-ELCAC should exert more effort to fully utilize the budgets allocated by Congress or these will just go back to the national treasury instead of being used for the Filipinos who need more and better social services.

He added the funds are “very essential” since they will be distributed to various agencies for administrative and operational expenses in implementing the task force's Barangay Development Program, which is composed of various support projects for barangays deemed cleared of communist rebels.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189811

NPA rebel wanted for kidnapping arrested in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 30, 2022): NPA rebel wanted for kidnapping arrested in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

Google map Barobo, Surigao del Sur

BUTUAN CITY – A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel wanted for criminal offenses was apprehended during the service of an arrest warrant in Surigao del Sur town.

In a statement Wednesday, the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) identified the arrested NPA rebel as Jeffrey Rivas Prado, 27, a resident of Purok 6, Sitio Simowao, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

Prado, a member of Guerrilla Front 19 Southland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the NPA, was arrested in Barobo, Surigao del Sur on Tuesday afternoon.

“The arrested NPA rebel has a standing arrest warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 7 in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur,” the SDSPPO said.

The arrest warrant was issued by the local court in Bayugan City on Jan. 30, 2020, with no recommended bail, it added.

Prado is now under the custody of the Barobo Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement Wednesday, the Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) reported the surrender of an NPA couple who are holding vital positions in the NPA movement in the Surigao del Norte area.

The NPA couple was identified as John Philip Patindol Calang, alias Poloy, 28, the squad leader of the Regional Sentro De Gravidad (RSDG), NEMRC; and Marivic Cellona Gallaga, alias Nam, 24, a medical officer of RSDG, NEMRC.

Both NPA rebels voluntarily surrendered to the 30IB on Friday last week in Barangay Mahanub, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.

“Fatigue, hunger, and uncertainties have forced the NPA couple to surrender as they wished to live peacefully as a family in their community,” the 30IB said.

The 30IB is now processing the NPA couple for their enrolment in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189775

104 NPA surrenderers join DOLE employment program in N. Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 30, 2022): 104 NPA surrenderers join DOLE employment program in N. Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

WORK OPPORTUNITIES. Beneficiaries of an emergency employment program in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar with nearly half of them are former rebels during the awarding of cash assistance on Tuesday (Nov. 29, 20220). The military lauded the Department of Labor and Employment and the local government for enlisting former rebels in the program. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – At least 104 former rebels in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar have received cash assistance from the government for participating in an emergency employment program.

A ceremony held Tuesday in Lope De Vega town awarded PHP924,000 cash to 264 beneficiaries, including the 104 New People's Army (NPA) surrenderers to the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police units in the province.

Philippine Army 43rd Infantry Battalion spokesperson 1st Lt. Benigno Lopez, Jr. lauded the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the local government for enlisting former members of the NPA in the program.

“This is a way to make them productive as they start a new life after engaging in a senseless armed struggle. We want to forge partnership with more government agencies to help our former rebels,” Lopez said in a phone interview on Wednesday.

These former rebels residing in the town’s five villages with insurgency problems in the past are members of people’s organization formed by the Army’s 43rd Infantry Battalion in 2021.

Each beneficiary received cash worth PHP3,500 as compensation for their work in the community.

The assistance is part of the DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD, a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189783

2 more NPA rebels killed in NegOcc firefight

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 30, 2022): 2 more NPA rebels killed in NegOcc firefight (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

BODIES FOUND. Troops of the Philippine Army’s 94th and 47th Infantry Battalions found two bodies of New People's Army (NPA) rebels after an encounter in Sitio Makilo, Barangay Camansi in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental early morning of Wednesday (Nov. 30, 2022). The fatalities were brought to Sola Gracia Funeral Services in the same city. (Photo courtesy of the 94th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – Two more fighters of the New People's Army (NPA) were killed in a clash with government troops in Negros Occidental on Wednesday, two days after two of their comrades died in a skirmish as soldiers responded to the rebels’ continued harassment and extortion activities in the remote areas of central and southern Negros.

Troops of the Philippine Army’s 94th and 47th Infantry Battalions (IB) found two bodies after engaging about 10 communist terrorists in Sitio Makilo, Barangay Camansi in Kabankalan City at past 2 a.m.

Capt. Eduardo Rarugal Jr., 94IB civil-military operations officer, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the bodies have been brought to Sola Gracia Funeral Services in the southern Negros city.

The military has yet to identify the fatalities but a statement from the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA’s political wing, National Democratic Front-Negros, confirmed that one of them is their consultant Ericson Acosta, who was in Kabankalan "to consult" with farmers in southern Negros, together with a peasant-organizer, who was the other fatality, but whom they did not name.

In a report, the 94IB said two clashes took place – at 2:10 a.m. and 2:15 a.m. – after the joint troops responded to reports on the presence of NPA rebels asking for food supplies.

These rebels are believed to be among those involved in the series of armed encounters in Barangay Cabalan of the neighboring Himamaylan City last month, the report added.

After the clash, the troops also recovered a KG9 assault rifle and two caliber .45 pistols with magazines and ammunition, and two hand grenades, as well as CPP-NPA flags, Mao caps, subversive documents, and lecture materials.

“We laud the bravery of the residents in reporting the presence of the NPA that caused the encounter. The NPA is becoming irrelevant in the communities of Kabankalan City and Negros as a whole. The last option for them is to surrender or suffer the same fate like their fallen comrades,” Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, commander of 94IB, said in a statement.

In a separate statement, Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, commended the joint efforts of the 94IB and 47IB troops together with the locals, which resulted in a successful operation against the NPA.

“The successive debacle of the NPA in Negros is a clear manifestation that they are losing grip and influence over their claimed mass base. Their movement is now limited as Negrenses are very vigilant in reporting their presence and activities,” he added.

On Monday, two communist rebels also died in a clash with troops of the 62nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Quintin Remo in Moises Padilla town, Negros Occidental.

The fatalities were identified as both part of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda Platoon Lenovo of the NPA's Central Negros Front 1.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189778

Arrest warrant with P5-M bail served vs. detained ASG leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 30, 2022): Arrest warrant with P5-M bail served vs. detained ASG leader (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

ARREST WARRANT. Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-9 (CIDG-9) operatives serve an arrest warrant for 25 counts of frustrated murder charges with a total of PHP5 million bail on Tuesday (Nov. 29, 2022) at the Tawi-Tawi provincial jail. The accused was involved in the kidnapping on January 15, 2020 of five Indonesian fishermen in Tambisan, Sandakan City, Sabah. (Photo courtesy of CIDG-9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Government operatives have served a warrant of arrest for 25 counts of frustrated murder with a PHP5 million recommended bail against an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader detained for kidnapping charges in Tawi-Tawi, an official said Wednesday.

Maj. Allan Alog, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group -Tawi-Tawi office chief, said the warrant was served against ASG sub-leader Injimar Mangkabong, alias Bensar Jakari, around 3:12 p.m. Tuesday at the provincial jail in Bongao, the capital town of the province.

Alog said the warrant dated Feb. 7, 2012 was issued against Mangkabong by the court of Jolo town in Sulu province.

The court has set bail at PHP200,000 for each count of frustrated murder charges against Mangkabong totaling PHP5 million.

Mangkabong was arrested by policemen on March 22, 2021 in this city for kidnapping charges.

Alog said the accused was involved in the kidnapping of five Indonesian fishermen on Jan. 15, 2020 in the vicinity of Tambisan, Sandakan City, Sabah, as well as Filipinos in the island provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

He said Mangkabong is a sub-leader under the group of ASG leader Idang Susukan operating in the two provinces.

Policemen arrested Susukan on Aug. 13, 2020 in Davao City.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189789